Dubai, Oct 4 (UNI) South Africa secured a dominant victory over the West Indies in their Group B contest at the WT20 World Cup 2024, with a clinical all-round performance led by their bowlers here on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 119, the South African openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, put on a masterclass, reaching their target with 13 balls to spare.
Marizanne Kapp set the tone early, dismissing the dangerous Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, while Nonkululeko Mlaba emerged as the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 4/29.
Mlaba’s wickets were instrumental in restricting the West Indies to a below-par total of 118/6, despite efforts from Stafanie Taylor and Zaida James.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl, capitalising on the early momentum with key dismissals in the powerplay. Kapp removed West Indies captain Matthews, caught behind for 10, while Mlaba bowled opener Qiana Joseph for 4.
Dottin looked threatening during her brief stay at the crease, but Kapp struck again, claiming her wicket for 13 off 11 balls. West Indies found themselves in further trouble when Mlaba took two wickets in two balls, dismissing Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry in a decisive over. A hand injury to South Africa’s Sune Luus meant that Mlaba had to step up, and she did so in style, securing four wickets in total.
Despite a resilient knock of 28 not out from Stafanie Taylor, West Indies were unable to build any significant partnerships. Their total of 118/6 appeared insufficient against a confident South African side.
South Africa’s openers, Wolvaardt and Brits, took charge in the chase, displaying intent from the outset. Wolvaardt, in particular, set the tone with a sublime drive early in the powerplay, while the West Indies struggled to contain the flow of runs. Their troubles were compounded when Zaida James was hit in the face by a ball off her own bowling and had to leave the field after just one delivery.
West Indies used a total of eight bowlers in an attempt to break the partnership, but their efforts were in vain. Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 59* and Brits’ 57* saw South Africa cruise to the target with ease, reaching 119/0 in 17.5 overs.
The comprehensive victory will boost South Africa’s confidence as they aim to go one step further than their previous campaigns. With their openers in red-hot form and their bowlers delivering under pressure, they look set to challenge the top teams in this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, West Indies will need to regroup ahead of their upcoming matches against Scotland, Bangladesh, and England as they seek to turn their campaign around.
